ABSTRACT
Ventilation of buildings may be achieved by natural or mechanical means, in order to provide thermal comfort, humidity control and acceptable indoor air quality. In particular, ventilation is used to dilute indoor concentration of pollutants and renew building air. In parallel, thermal comfort depends to a certain degree on indoor air velocity and appropriate indoor air movement can provide thermal comfort, even when the temperature and humidity are not the most appropriate. If temperatures are high, too little air movement can cause discomfort, and higher air movement may be welcome. The sizing and the design of the ventilation system should consider the effect that the air movement in the room will have on comfort if the occupants are not to subvert the ventilation strategy. Existing standards for indoor air movement assume that high air velocities and turbulence may cause discomfort through draughts. Appropriate ventilation for humidity control may prevent microbiological growth on walls, floors and ceilings as well as protect the building construction from damage.
